Town Square

Brozosky considering another try for mayor's post

Former City Councilman Steve Brozosky may try again to unseat Mayor Jennifer Hosterman for the city's top elected post in what could be a repeat of the feisty political campaign two years ago that gave Hosterman the edge by just 188 votes.

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Posted by Hmmmm
a resident of Amador Valley High School
on Aug 2, 2008 at 8:28 am

Mr. Brozosky would likely have little or no impact on a "save the hills" position as he lives in the hills off of vinyard ave (in fact naming the street that leads to his home after himself "Brozosky Hills Lane". It would certainly qualify as drawbridge mentality and self serving for him to take a position of denying others to enjoy living in the hills such as he does.

I've not been a big Hosterman supporter, but I certainly applaud her willingness to change for the better and not just keep a position she no longer agrees with simply because she started out that way. Part of life is gaining knowledge and growing. Seems like many want everything to stay the same. I encourage everyone to stop listening to the pesimists that talk about the 10 percent that is wrong with Pleasanton and encourage the optimists to focus on the 90 percent that is great!

Posted by anonymous
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 2, 2008 at 10:19 am

The council measure is more specific than the initiative and more democratic since it allows input from all the affected parties, not just the ones who disagree with Oak Grove.

I see the same problem with this mayoral race as the last time if Brozosky really puts in his papers and that is he has made it personal between he and Hosterman. This should not be about individuals but what is best for Pleasanton. One issue should not be the basis of an election.

When those houses were build there was not a general plan in place. They did not require the City Council to violate the guidelines set by the community. When they bought those homes they did not violate the publics trust.
The issue to me is not the houses on the hill it is a Mayor and Council that disregards the general plan.

That is why I support the initiative that supports the intent of the general plan.

Violating the intent of the general plan, set by the community, will be the basis of the election for our representatives.

Posted by Danielle
a resident of Grey Eagle Estates
on Aug 2, 2008 at 2:39 pm

I can't believe I'm reading this! I voted for that guy for the Council the first time he ran, but I would never vote for him again! During the last race, he showed his dishonesty, backstabbing, broken promises, complete lack of integrity, and utter lack of respect for the people of this town. This guy has no moral values at all. First, no one can beat the Mayor because she's done such a good job, and second, I don't think anyone wants to see this guy's face again, especially after the mud he dragged this town through two years ago. I really can't believe I'm reading this.

I thought Ms. Ayala was collecting more signatures for her hillside thing at the Farmers Market today, which was confusing, but now it makes sense. She must be collecting signatures for Mr. Brozosky's petition to get his name on the ballot. Why can't he collect his own? Or, maybe she's running again, too? Must we suffer this again?

We can't even vote, but its clear this town has had enough of these people. People see through this whole series of events. These people don't give a hoot about hillside development - they just want to make the Mayor look like she for growth, and give one of themselves a place to run that appears no growth. Everyone I talk to says the same thing.

Although not a supporter of either candidate (Hosterman or Brozosky), I am surprised how quickly the Hosterman camp gets defensive. Looks like the plan is to go on the offensive - something I find offensive.

Posted by Sarah
a resident of Alisal Elementary School
on Aug 2, 2008 at 10:09 pm

I am thrilled that Mr. Brozosky is running for mayor. I dropped campaign flyers for Mr. Pico, Mrs. Hosterman and Mr. Brozosky in 2002 when they were running as a team and I can say that without a doubt, Mr. Brozosky is the only one of the three who has not sold his soul to the developers.

I will never get over the fact that Hosterman voted for Home Depot at Valley/Stanley/Bernal. Now she wants a three lane left turn lane from Santa Rita heading South to Valley Avenue heading East, similar to the new three lane left turn lane from Hopyard/Dougherty Road to Dublin Blvd.

She has caused nothing but misery for most neighborhoods in town, pretending she is on the side of residents, then right before the critical vote, changing her mind on the issue at hand.

Posted by anonymous
a resident of Jensen Tract
on Aug 3, 2008 at 1:01 am

Sarah,

Where do you get your information??? A third left lane was proposed by staff and voted down by the council. The Home Depot was reconsidered and is now dead for lack of a second vote by the entire council.
What critical issues are you talking about?

Where do you think Brozosky got the $80,000 he used during the last election? Certainly some of that was from developers. He has not had to compromise or negotiate because he is not on the council. He has the luxury of complaining about people, not issues and is seeing things from one point of view. He only listens to people who agree with him and he changes depending on the political climate.

The mayor represents all of Pleasanton, not just individuals or separate neighborhoods. Balance among all the interests in Pleasanton is necessary and it takes the entire council to do that.

Posted by Vinelander
a resident of Vineyard Hills
on Aug 3, 2008 at 8:11 am

Steve is a nitpicker and self centered. Don't forget that he was the moving force in getting the roundabouts removed from Vineyard Avenue - at a cost of $600,00000 to the City of Pleasanton. When it comes down to it, its all about Steve - not Pleasanton. You can learn a lot about a person by his friends and associates - don't forget about Dan Karl.

Posted by Greg
a resident of Bordeaux Estates
on Aug 3, 2008 at 10:10 am

Vinelander,

Your bias has been clear in your vitriolic comments; only someone with a personal connection would be so malevolent. Your caustic posts ruin the opportunity for exchange of productive thoughts and information.

Posted by Stacey
a resident of Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Aug 3, 2008 at 1:22 pm

Whether Voter or Paris realizes it or not, insinuating that someone's post is written by Jennifer Hosterman without any proof to back up the accusation is quite insulting. I wonder how Voter or Paris would feel if someone told them that their posts were written by Dan Carl or Brozosky.

Posted by Save Us
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 3, 2008 at 7:08 pm

Please, Please, Please no Brozosky. This community cannot survive another down and dirty vindictive campaign that has nothing to do what is good for Pleasanton but a very unhealthy dislike for our Mayor and anyone else that disagrees with his opinion.

Posted by Rachel
a resident of California Reflections
on Aug 3, 2008 at 7:21 pm

So-called "Vinelander of the Vineyard Hills Neighborhood" has posted comments above and used words like 'nitpick' and a diatribe on the roundabouts that almost exactly match Hosterman's blog from her own campaign website from two years ago. See her September 2006 blog entry that she wrote using almost identical words.

Or maybe the author instead from the September 2006 entry was instead her close associate, the infamous Rick Dobbs, her replacement she appointed as replacement for Planning Commission Chairman Brian Arken.

You can learn a lot about a person by his friends and associates - don't forget about prolific web author extraordinaire Rick Dobbs.

I've cut and pasted from the September 2006 entry--seems awful alike, doesn't it, compared to the Vinelander posts, wouldn't you say?

Begin of cut and paste from September 2006 entry:

The Second Debate

Last night was the second in a series of "candidate forums" which will be held throughout the City of Pleasanton between now and election day. It was somewhat awkward, in that volunteers from the League of Women Voters chose what questions from the audience would be asked of the candidates, myself and my opponent. For some reason, we didn't get any questions about traffic (hmmm. . .) and other very good questions (why would the Council pull out the round-a-bouts at a cost in excess of $600,000.00 of taxpayer monies?) were likewise, not asked.

Unfortunately, my opponent has difficulty staying on the issues, and tends down that slippery slope of misinformation and nitpicking jibes. I think the people of Pleasanton deserve better, not just in their Mayor, but in their candidates! One of the areas I intend to work on in the coming two years, should you re-elect me to office, is finding new, young people who care about our community and are willing to serve office on behalf of all of us.

Nonetheless, the response was very favorable regarding my performance. I hope you will check out the replay which will be on Channel 26, October 1, 2, 3, and I think the 4th, at 8:00 p.m. Let me know your thoughts!

Posted by Stacey
a resident of Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Aug 3, 2008 at 7:33 pm

Given the results of the last mayoral election, Brozosky would have a pretty good chance against Hosterman if he ran again. Also given the closeness of the last mayoral election, it shows to me that neither Brozosky nor Hosterman really can inspire a large majority of people. They are too alike on issues, which is probably why wedge issues like Oak Grove need to be created. This election is shaping up to be quite divisive.

Posted by Stacey
a resident of Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Aug 3, 2008 at 7:37 pm

Another thought... I guess it takes a lot of arrogance to run for office. I always thought it quite arrogant of Brozosky to take a Pleasanton symbol (the archway sign) and slap his name up on it for his campaign. Of course to be fair, it is also quite arrogant of Hosterman to already be talking about the 2010 election like this year's is already won.

Rachel, I dunno. I've heard the "nitpick" thing about Brozosky from other people. It is just a sound-byte people bat around, like the Oak Grove opposition repeating the claim that the proponents are being undemocratic.

Posted by Greg
a resident of Bordeaux Estates
on Aug 3, 2008 at 8:39 pm

It seemed pretty obvious "Vinelander" was making a very personal attack.

I would say Rachel's post explains it and gives clear evidence. It makes it obvious both posts are the same writer. It is not the one word, nitpick, but multiple words and content. I would say it is as good as finger prints.

Posted by Watch the Mud
a resident of Vineyard Avenue
on Aug 3, 2008 at 9:03 pm

This blog is a sign of things to come. Looks like mud will be flying. The City will need to duck; it will be coming from both sides. If a rather innocent article informing the community that a candidate is considering a run can bring out such reaction (from both sides), we will are in for a fight that will make presential politics (and round one in P-Town) look civil. If is true that either candidate has responded on this board, sure wish we knew; we could then vote for the other. It is my hope that they will work to model civility and, as public officials, insure that they all of their campaigning (including responses to a blog) include their name, including responses from those directly supporting both candidates. The Weekly also has some responsibility here to insure civility; please don't just offer the blog and then look the other way as mud flies. This City deserve better.

Posted by Anonymous
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 3, 2008 at 11:02 pm

As a relatively new home buyer in Pleasanton, I can only say that I am glad the current mayor will not run uncontested. Wake up, P-town, and do not embrace status quo. I look forward to reading what each candidate has in mind for this town (I do not like the idea of unplanned growth such as the one going on in Dublin, for instance; let's hear from all candidates and choose the one that represents this town's best interest!)

Posted by Greg
a resident of Bordeaux Estates
on Aug 4, 2008 at 12:03 am

I see very personal attacks on Brozosky as well as posts in support of Brozosky. I see posts calling for Hosterman (as an elected official) to take responsibility for the posts that are clearly hers. I do not see attacks on Hosterman.

I am asking elected officials and candidates to demonstrate appropriate integrity by using their names on threads that involve the election.

Posted by Nicole
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 4, 2008 at 12:39 am

How do any of you know Hosterman or Brozosky have posted here? The issues should be the focus. Hosterman is not the only one that might pose questions about the round a bouts. Anyone having watched the council meetings might ask the same question.

I have queried the posts and other posts under these aliases and think anonymous from the Jensen Tract and vinelander are either Hosterman, Kallio, or Ramirez, their political strategist. If you look in previous forums, these aliases do seem to defend the current mayoral administration in Pleasanton, boast about accomplishments, and so forth and seem to be highly detailed. For example, one post under the alias makes a distinction regarding whether the golf course is city owned versus city operated, another discusses the golf course as a goldmine and seems to imply the golf course was all the current administration's idea (wasn't this Tarver's idea in the mid nineties, anyway?).

I suspect Ben Tarver would be in shock but not surprised about what has happened to Hosterman. Like Becky Dennis, she ran on one platform, then once in office, turned. I guess that is what politicians do.

Posted by Greg
a resident of Bordeaux Estates
on Aug 4, 2008 at 8:47 am

Stacey, you are not being reasonable if you don't see that the post from Hosterman's sight was written by the same writer as Vinelander.

I have read many post that made me uncomfortable also believing that they sounded like they must be written by someone on council I had given the benefit of the doubt, but I don't think there is any doubt about these post. I am offended that someone in a leadership position in my community would behave in this manor. The post from the Mayors by its self is disturbing.

Posted by Stacey
a resident of Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Aug 4, 2008 at 9:08 am

I'm not being reasonable? That made me laugh! If this were a court case you'd need to provide evidence beyond a reasonable doubt and THAT would be reasonable. I'm sorry, but the evidence presented is very poor. The accusation isn't based in any concrete facts that can be established (such as analysis of web server and ISP logs). You're offended by a rumor, an unsubstantiated claim? How reasonable is that?

Posted by PF Chang's Rules!
a resident of Country Fair
on Aug 4, 2008 at 6:04 pm

Let's see - an honest business person who has served this community selflessly on both the City Council and the School Board vs. a "sleezy" (sic for u "Stacey!") politician who doesn't understand the law - but single handedly got us a PF Chang's

Posted by frank
a resident of Pleasanton Heights
on Aug 4, 2008 at 8:37 pm

It looks like "Jen" (or is it Stacey?) is a shoo-in for mayor given that there are at least three likely opponents who are all from the same anti-Hostermann camp. Talk about splitting the vote!!!! What are they thinking??? Duhhhh....

Posted by Jesus
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 4, 2008 at 11:00 pm

You can go online to the City of Pleasanton's website and see the latest campaign filings. It is great having these online.

If you look at Hosterman's filing, there are a few things that are noteworthy. A contribution from Ken Mercer (Mr. Pro-Growth himself). A contribution from James Tong (Developer on the hills).

Her biggest expense is to Alliance Campaign Strategies which is actually Angela Ramirez Holmes. Angela is as partisan as they get and she also works for James Tong and the Chamber of Commerce PAC which is supported by developer's interests. You should go to City Council meetings and you can see Angela in the back of the room texting to Cheryl Cook-Kallio and Hosterman. Angela texts away and then you see Cheryl and Hosterman look at their phones. During every break all three of them are talking together. The Council is being run by this paid political consultant from the back of the room.

Posted by Kelly
a resident of Pleasanton Meadows
on Aug 4, 2008 at 11:48 pm

Oh great. The fact that these three are running Pleasanton City Hall now explains a heck of a lot. Wow! Shawn Wilson is Alberto Torrico's district coordinator, here is Royce Kelley Web Link and then there is Ramirez below. I found their web site. Can you provide a web link to the financial information? How much did Hosterman spend on Alliance Campaign Strategies, the lobbying group? And what proportion of her campaign contributions were spent on these people? Do they charge her for texting her in the City Council chambers?

You know, I think it is absolutely shameful that Torrico smeared Tom Pico with that flier full of lies about Pico flying around the world using taxpayer dollars when he was running for assembly a few years ago. Web Link

To think that Pleasanton is now being run by this same crew that slammed Mr. Pico is disgusting. This explains much.

Here are the members of Alliance Campaign Strategies from the web site.

Shawn Wilson
Shawn Wilson is a political consultant and founding partner of Alliance Campaign Strategies. He has more than ten years of East Bay political and campaign experience at the state and local levels. He was a Chief of Staff to a County Supervisor where his responsibilities were maintaining and organizing a staff, developing a strategic outreach plan, formulating public policy and was the lead staff person on the County Budget, Planning related issues affecting the Unincorporated areas of Alameda County and Organized Labor.

Wilson also served as District Director, Special Consultant, Field Representative and Scheduler for various members of the California State Assembly where his responsibilities were tracking and staffing legislation in the areas of Health Care, Education, Labor, Mobile Home Parks and Budgetary Impact items.

As a political consultant, Wilson has worked on many local campaigns designing and implementing campaign plans, outlining campaign budgets, designing campaign literature and overseeing the overall campaign structure. For the past three election cycles he has served as the Executive Director of the Eden Area United Democratic Campaign overseeing the local United Democratic Headquarters within the Alameda County Democratic party developing and implementing campaign strategy.

Originally from Hayward and San Leandro, graduating from the California State University at Hayward with a B.A. degree in Political Science, Shawn now resides in Elk Grove with his wife and three children.

Royce Kelley
Kelley is a political consultant and founding partner of Alliance Campaign Strategies. He has more than thirty years of East Bay political and campaign experience at the local, state, and national levels.

He was an aide to Rep. Barbara Lee (D-9) in her Assembly and State Senate offices, managing the transition between the two houses and serving as her Senate District Director. A resident of Berkeley, he utilizes his knowledge and experience to manage campaigns in the Oakland-Berkeley area.

Kelley has more than twenty years experience in direct mail, raising money for candidates including Barbara Boxer, Tom Harkin, Paul Wellstone, Ron Dellums, Barbara Lee and Jesse Jackson. He serves as Vice-Chair of the Alameda County Democratic Central Committee and as Region 6 Director for the California Democratic Party.

Raised in the Bay Area, Royce graduated from U.C. Berkeley with a B.A. in Mathematics.

Angela Ramirez Holmes
Ramirez Holmes is a political consultant and founding partner of Alliance Campaign Strategies. She has more than ten years of East Bay political and campaign experience at the local, state, and national levels. She was a congressional aide to Representative Ellen Tauscher (D-10) where her responsibilities included Tri-Valley field representative, district scheduler, and constituent relations. A resident of Pleasanton, she utilizes her knowledge and experience to manage campaigns in the Tri-Valley.

Ramirez Holmes is a well known community organizer for women’s groups, currently serving on the board of Alameda County Tri-Valley NOW. She also serves on other boards including the Alameda County Democratic Central Committee and the Pleasanton PTA Council.

A native of Stockton, Angela graduated from Saint Mary’s College with a B.A. in Politics. She also holds a teaching credential in Social Science.

Posted by Stacey
a resident of Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Aug 5, 2008 at 8:13 am

Oh My God! James Tong contrbuted $100 to Hosterman's campaign! RUN FOR THE HILLS! Oh! Wait, what's this? $300 total from three people at Pleasanton Garbage Service and $500 from a manager at a petroleum company? OH MY GOD HOSTERMAN IS BEING BOUGHT BY TRASH AND BIG OIL!

Hosterman raised $2997 in the first half of 2008 and spent $2538 to consulting services of Angela Romeriz Holmes (Alliance Campaign Strategies). So nearly all the money raised this last 6 months went to Ms. Holmes. I wonder how much Ms. Holmes was paid in previous filing periods. Does anybody know?

Jesus, I saw Ms. Holmes at the back of the council chambers when I was there last and noticed her doing a lot of texting on her phone. I did not realize she was sending these to the front of the room. Now that I see that Hosterman was paying her I guess this makes sense.

I was upset with the Torrico campaign also. I remember him sending out flyers in the Assembly campaign spearing Pico with false information. Shame on Hosterman for using the same firm that smeared Pico. I guess we should expect the same tactics to be used against anybody who runs against Hosterman.

As someone who has followed Pleasanton politics for almost two decades I find this information enlightening and very disturbing. We have little influence over the partisan mess that is national politics but we have in the past been a grassroots community, I hate to see us lose that.

Sue, I could not agree with you more. I have helped in many local campaigns and loved the fact that they were grassroots. I would hope that the community would see the value of grassroots campaigns which allows a person not interested in a political career run for city council, mayor, or school board. Mr. Bing, I hope that you ask each local candidate if they are using a paid political consultant and if so, who it is. I believe the public would like to know which campaigns are grassroots and which ones are orchistrated by political consultants. If we do not let our candidates know that this makes a difference to us, we are guilty of allowing it to happen.

Posted by Gary
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 5, 2008 at 11:26 am

We are becoming like other communities where well-intended community members won't get elected without the backing of political machines. Candidates must be supported by a teacher's union or must be connected to strong political allies.

Only aspiring politicos looking for an "easy" seat on their way to state office, or somewhere else will get elected.

When our local representative are looking to their next campaign and meeting with big contributors we lose our local representation.

Posted by Fletch
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 5, 2008 at 2:56 pm

So why does the mayor, in a nonpartisan role, need a political consultant in the first place? Can someone please explain that for me.
There has been talk about not spending so much on local campaigns but I don't see how that can happen if you spend that much on a consultant pretty much before filing. It really disappoints me to think our local politics has gotten to this level.

Posted by Where is the Good Old Pleasanton?
a resident of Beratlis Place
on Aug 5, 2008 at 5:43 pm

It is against the law for Mr. Hosterman or Ms. Cook-Kalio to be sending or receiving text messages (and not sharing the content) on topics being discussed during official open-to-the public meetings. Yet they have been doing it for a long time. Just watch TV30 or go to meetings and see for yourself as I have.

Those messages should be part of the public record - but I bet they would fight handing them over beacuse it would make them both look bad - and expose Ms. Ramirez's manipulation.

Ms. Hosterman and Mr. Torrico are BUDS! She wants his seat when he terms out. Ms. Cook-Kalio loves Mr. Torrico as well. They both want Dem Party support/precinct walkers/phone callers (for free - and un- reported on campaign finance forms) like they got in 2006. Talk about soft money support!

We are but a stepping stone for Ms. Hosterman's political career - and apparently Ms. Cook-Kalio's.

The days of non-partisan / local issues based city government evaporated when Ms. Hosterman took office. She has become our first career politician - remeber she started raising money for her current run for mayor in March of 2007 - more than a year ahead of any other candidate in Pleasanton's history!

Posted by Baffled
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 7, 2008 at 1:08 am

Wow, this is what I get for having insomnia and checking out the Pleasanton Weekly website! This is the most sophomoric group I have come across in awhile (and I have a history of insomnia and web surfing, so you can just imagine how you all sound to me!)

I have to say it is rather pathetic that anyone believes that either Brozowsky or Hosteman have nothing better to do with their time then come and quibble with you all!! I have images of a bunch of old cranks with too much time on their hands stirring mud to pass the time.

There are some legit posts here and I agree that the focus should be on both the issues and the candidate that will best serve P-town. But seriously folks, this is NOT as big a deal as you all make it! There are real issues going on in the world, put your energy and time into something more worthwhile. Or just bake some cookies for your grandkids or go out and throw a ball for your dog! (In other words, get a life!)

Oh wel, probably no one will ever read this but I am 10 minutes closer to sleep!